Azim debate undermined by infighting
Oxford students hold a candle-lit vigil outside the Union
THE OXFORD Union is under fire after Thursday's emergency debate was filibustered and disrupted by procedural motions. The debate had been called at last Monday's Consultative Committee in order to draw attention to the plight of asylum seeker and St John's College student Azim Ansari. Two members of the ‘Keep Azim in Oxford' campaign were at the Union, planning to speak at the debate: Emma Jones, campaign co-ordinator, and Iain Simpson. Neither was called to deliver a speech.
The debate was initially chaired by Standing Committe member Andy Hughes, who ceded the chair to Chairman of the Consultative Committee Ed Mason, after recognising himself to speak. Ex-President Ambrose Faulks demanded the chair after an exchange of points of order. Librarian Vladimir Bermant arrived in the chamber and took the chair himself.
However, it was decided Ambrose Faulks, as the most senior person, should retain the chair, before Mason returned with a note from President Laura Poots giving him the right to take the chair back. Not a single member of the Azim campaign was able to address the chamber. Speaking to The Oxford Student, Simpson said: “This emergency debate was a great chance to raise the profile of the Azim campaign – both due to the high attendance and the fact that Des Browne was speaking later.
“This opportunity was not fully realised, due to the determination of a few individuals to sabotage the debate for political gains.” In a statement, Union President Laura Poots told The Oxford Student: “I'm very pleased that the debate on this issue went ahead and that the case of Azim Ansari was brought to the attention of so many people.
“I am disappointed that the debate was interrupted by rules complaints, but I have been told that the changeover of Chairs took a few minutes and that no one ‘filibustered', in the sense that no member spoke for more than five minutes. “I believe a large number of people had the chance to speak on the issue and put forward their views, which was obviously the aim of the debate.
However, Simpson furthered: “Given the importance of this issue, I think that the events of Thursday showed the worst possible side of union politics.” Jones added: “I don't think it is appropriate for me to comment on the Union debate”, but she drew attention to the rally planned for Saturday of 7th week in support of Azim and his brother Wali.
24th Feb 2005